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The following article contains discussion of sexual assault that some readers may find distressing.

Casualty will partner with Rape Crisis England & Wales for a powerful storyline about sexual assault.

In the coming weeks, Alicia Munroe (Chelsea Halfpenny) will come to the realisation that she's been raped by work colleague Dr Eddie McAllister (Joe Gaminara), who first appeared on screens in March.

The sexual assault will have occurred after a night of drinking, and it's only after piecing flashbacks together that she realises she never gave Eddie consent. Viewers will follow for six weeks as Alicia comes to grips with having been attacked.

"I've felt a distinct sense of responsibility for this storyline from the moment Lucy Raffety, our series producer, informed me we were going to explore it here at Casualty. I think now, more than ever, it is so important that we use our platform to highlight such an issue," actress Chelsea Halfpenny said (via The Mirror).

"Through the sensitive writing, dedicated and passionate directing, and utmost love and support from each and every cast, crew and production member, I believe that we have dealt with the storyline authentically and respectively, and I hope it helps anyone that is, or has been through anything of this nature."

Rape Crisis England & Wales' Katie Russell suggested that such depictions of sexual violence in drama can be important because they help break down "common myths and stereotypes" about rape.

"Continuing dramas like Casualty aim to reflect important issues in society and people's lives and, sadly, sexual violence is a reality for many, so to shy away from it completely would seem conspicuous and even potentially run the risk of reinforcing the idea that it's a 'taboo' topic," Russell said.

"This storyline looks at the central issue of consent, which must be given fully and freely for any and every sexual act by someone with the capacity to do so. Consent can never be assumed; it should be actively sought and enthusiastically given. Anything less is an act of sexual violence. Casualty has made efforts to explore this topic responsibly and carefully and we hope it helps to raise vital awareness and understanding."

This will be the latest high-profile storyline for Alicia since Chelsea Halfpenny returned to the medical soap on a permanent basis in the summer of 2016.

Casualty will begin airing its sexual assault storyline later in May on BBC One.